Vitamins and Supplements for Opioid Use Disorder

Some may have specific dietary restrictions such as veganism or celiac disease; others might require considerations based on age, gender, activity level, or underlying medical conditions. They provide sustained energy, helping to maintain balanced blood =https://ecosoberhouse.com/ sugar levels. A poor diet rich in simple sugars can exacerbate mood swings and cravings, which are already challenging during recovery. A specialist like a registered dietitian (RDN) or your doctor can create a personalized eating plan just for you. They’ll consider your health, your body’s needs, and what will help you stay on track during recovery. On the other hand, some of the best foods for recovering substance users include whole grains, vegetables, eggs, beans, and fish.

Protein and its Building Blocks: More than Muscle Food

• Exercise is another healing method during withdrawal and recovery that helps detoxify your body while also boosting the production of endorphins in your brain.
• Alcohol use disorder can mean an individual experiences vitamin deficiencies, as alcohol can affect how the body absorbs and uses vitamins and nutrients.
• Water serves as a natural detoxifier, helping your liver rejuvenate while ensuring that your body’s electrolyte balance remains in harmony—all vital components in a successful path to recovery.
• While the body can withstand malnutrition for weeks, if not longer, dehydration quickly becomes a matter of life or death.

If you do crave something unhealthy, choose a healthy alternative instead. Looking for addiction treatment in Columbus, Ohio or the surrounding areas? We have inpatient and outpatient facilities nearby and across the country ready to help. When you have a substance use disorder, it can be hard to focus on physical wellness.

What is the role of SAMHSA’s National Helpline in substance use recovery?

Alcoholics may derive as much as 50 percent of their daily caloric intake from alcohol, neglecting the foods and nutrients needed for a what is alcoholism healthy diet. Alcoholics are commonly deficient in vitamin B6, thiamine, and folic acid; however, they still can gain weight because of the empty calories in alcohol. Stimulants such as cocaine and meth may greatly suppress the appetite and cause extreme weight loss.

Vitamin supplements and alcohol withdrawal syndrome: What to know

People may need professional help to get them through withdrawal, help manage their symptoms, and provide the best chance of successful rehabilitation. Overall, according to the American Society of Addiction Medicine, the goal of detoxification is to help make withdrawal safer, more humane and prepare the individual for ongoing treatment. Many treatment protocols for AWS involve supportive care as the person withdraws to ease the discomfort of the symptoms. Beyond weight changes, constipation ranks as another frequent complication, creating a domino effect that can further disrupt the nutritional balance. Use healthy distractions, such as exercise, a hobby, or talking to a friend for support, to take your mind off them.

• However, some doctors dispute the use of vitamin C supplements and no official guidelines exist for treatment during alcohol withdrawal.
• Research shows that increased anxiety is one of the primary reasons why substance abusers and alcoholics tend to relapse (23, 24).
• The benefits of taking supplements during addiction recovery include reducing the severity of withdrawal symptoms, decreasing the risk of relapse, and improving one’s overall health.
• Vitamin C also fights free radicals, protecting your organs and tissues from damage.

Many people who are addicted to either drugs or alcohol often lose their appetite, which then results in the deficiency of essential micronutrients and even severe malnutrition if not treated. One small study in people with an addiction to heroin showed that vitamin C and vitamin E helped with withdrawal symptoms. People took vitamins C and E for at least 4 weeks, and about half of them reported fewer withdrawal symptoms. Another study of vitamin C in people going through withdrawal for opiates or other drugs found that it eased vitamins for recovering alcoholics withdrawal symptoms in some cases.

• In some cases, healthcare professionals may recommend supplements to ensure an adequate intake of these vitamins and nutrients.
• This is because theanine increases alpha brain waves, and I found out that very high alpha brain waves can actually cause anxiety as well.
• According to Optimal Living, “vitamin and mineral deficiencies can cause metabolic imbalances that create addictive cravings,” making it harder to recover.

Magnesium therapy is often recommended in some of these circumstances. It’s easy to see why shifts and imbalances in different vitamins and natural chemicals in our bodies might be detrimental to our health. Supplements can help replenish these much-needed vitamins, but it’s important to know what vitamins are best for those who are suffering from the effects of addiction and withdrawal. Warren is a Licensed Master Social Worker, who specializes in substance abuse and mental health treatment. Clinically, Warren has developed a therapeutic skillset that utilizes a strengths-based perspective, Twelve Step philosophies, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing. In some cases, healthcare professionals may recommend supplements to ensure an adequate intake of these vitamins and nutrients.